Hi there, I have 3 chinchillas, two adults, Princess & Potato, and their 7 week-old offspring, Popcorn. Popcorn was born as a single kit 5 days after we adopted Princess and Potato and is currently housed with Princess, as he is still nursing.
Potato is in a cage next door. Generally, play-time has been quite gentle and enjoyable for all 3, with a lot of grooming and cuddling. However, my husband and I have been noticing some behavioural changes in the little guy. While he is still quite gentle and snuggly with Princess, although he does occasionally mount her, he seems to be getting a bit aggressive with Potato, who is about 3 times his size! Potato is quite gentle and tolerant with this behaviour but will occasionally pin Popcorn. We're concerned that Popcorn is already trying to establish dominance, or are we getting ahead of ourselves and is this just play?
We're wondering how to ensure the safety and happiness of all 3 critters without having to keep them in three separate cages. My husband has read a few things about whisker trimming to control dominance but I'm hesitant, as I know that whisker trimming is a controversial issue and not a solution I'm leaning toward, but will consider if others have had success.
Also curious to know thoughts on neutering, although I've read that it really isn't an option before 1 year of age. We're pretty sure Princess will be quite content to have a cage to herself once Popcorn is weaned and we already have a well-established routine of highly supervised playtime to prevent further pregnancies. We're also aware that it is almost never recommended to spay a female chinchilla.
While we weren't leaning toward neutering either of the males, we're wondering if it is something we should consider. Potato is such a gentle soul and we would hate for him to be bullied or injured by Popcorn as he grows up.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Potato is in a cage next door. Generally, play-time has been quite gentle and enjoyable for all 3, with a lot of grooming and cuddling. However, my husband and I have been noticing some behavioural changes in the little guy. While he is still quite gentle and snuggly with Princess, although he does occasionally mount her, he seems to be getting a bit aggressive with Potato, who is about 3 times his size! Potato is quite gentle and tolerant with this behaviour but will occasionally pin Popcorn. We're concerned that Popcorn is already trying to establish dominance, or are we getting ahead of ourselves and is this just play?
We're wondering how to ensure the safety and happiness of all 3 critters without having to keep them in three separate cages. My husband has read a few things about whisker trimming to control dominance but I'm hesitant, as I know that whisker trimming is a controversial issue and not a solution I'm leaning toward, but will consider if others have had success.
Also curious to know thoughts on neutering, although I've read that it really isn't an option before 1 year of age. We're pretty sure Princess will be quite content to have a cage to herself once Popcorn is weaned and we already have a well-established routine of highly supervised playtime to prevent further pregnancies. We're also aware that it is almost never recommended to spay a female chinchilla.
While we weren't leaning toward neutering either of the males, we're wondering if it is something we should consider. Potato is such a gentle soul and we would hate for him to be bullied or injured by Popcorn as he grows up.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
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